Decathlon, the French sportswear retailer known for affordable gear, has revealed a prototype intra-vehicular activity (IVA) space suit for the European Space Agency (ESA). The dark grey 'EuroSuit' is designed for critical mission phases such as launch and landing, and can be put on or removed without assistance in under two minutes.
The suit features a lattice-structured helmet for custom fit, expanding bellows at shoulders, elbows and knees for mobility, and air-tight zippers with ergonomic pullers. Its length adjusts to compensate for spinal elongation in microgravity. The quick-donning capability is a first for IVA suits and could improve emergency response times.
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot will test the EuroSuit aboard the International Space Station next year, performing tasks like donning the suit, manipulating small objects, and using a touchscreen tablet. Feedback will inform a fully operational version with systems including air-tight sealing, fire resistance, breathable atmosphere control, communications and head-up displays.
Decathlon collaborated with French space agency CNES, startup Spartan Space and the Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology. The project contrasts with NASA's suits, partly designed by luxury brand Prada. Decathlon's Head of Advanced Innovation, Sébastien Haquet, said the suit demonstrates the company's ability to transfer sports innovation to spaceflight.
